How We Score
The scoring system we use for Cigars is very straightforward and are standards. As you read our scoring methods and reviews, please keep in mind that scoring is purely subjective. We encourage you to base your purchase decision on your own opinions and taste patterns. Trust your palate.
For Cigars, we use the traditional 100 point system utilized by Cigar Aficionado.
Cigars are tasted with only water as an accompaniment.
It works as follows:
APPEARANCE and CONSTRUCTION – 15 PTS.
Is the cigar visually pleasing? Is the wrapper smooth, or wadded-looking? Is it moist to the touch or dry? Does it stay firm? Is it veiny or soggy? After all, a great-tasting cigar that wilts the minute you take it out of the box, or looks too unappetizing to be placed in someone’’s mouth, does smokers no good.
SMOKING CHARACTERISTICS – 25 PTS.
How does it burn? Is it hard to light? Does it burn one-sidedly? Will the smoke burn your mouth, or feel cool and comfortable as it should? How hard do you have to pull to get a mouthful? All these questions and more are considered.
FLAVOR – 25 PTS.
Who needs a good-looking but brackish cigar? Cigars should not taste bitter or leave a nasty aftertaste. Both taste and aftertaste should be smooth but full, complicated, and rich.
OVERALL IMPRESSION – 35 PTS.
Is the cigar good, bad – or great? And the question utmost in any dedicated smoker’’s mind – is it worth the money? The various scores in each category are averaged and a final score is the result.
So the scoring summary is as follows:
APPEARANCE and CONSTRUCTION – 15 PTS.
SMOKING CHARACTERISTICS – 25 PTS.
FLAVOR – 25 PTS.
OVERALL IMPRESSION – 35 PTS.
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TOTAL SCORE: 100 PTS.
